New legislation to keep an eye on in CA

[Curtis]

AB 1212 | Author: Ruskin
In brief: Authorizes CARB to implement a “feebate” program consisting
of one-time rebates and one-time surcharges on the sale of new passenger vehicles.

Status: In Assembly Transportation Committee; two-year bill.

AB 1500 | Author: Lieu
In brief: Extends HOV lane access for single-occupant alternative fuel vehicles five years beyond the current
sunset, to Jan. 1, 2016.
Details: Transportation Committee amendments limit the extension to AFVs. HOV lane access for hybrid vehicles will expire Jan. 1, 2011.Sponsored by the Coalition.

Status: Passed Assembly Transportation
Committee; referred to Assembly
Appropriations Committee.

AB 1502 | Author: Eng
In brief: Extends HOV lane access for single-occupant clean vehicles to 2017, but only for SULEV/ILEV vehicles (including NGVs).
Details: Author decided to hold the bill when Assemblyman Lieu agreed to amendments to AB 1500 limiting the extension to AFVs.

Status: Held in Assembly Transportation
Committee; two-year bill.

SB 535 | Author: Yee
In brief: Eliminates the sunset on HOV lane access for existing single-occupant clean vehicles and creates new single-occupant access for plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Status: Passed Senate Transportation
and Housing Committee; referred to Senate Appropriations Committee.

[Ronwald027]

Re: New legislation to keep an eye on in CA

My information is that AB 1502 is not going forward. SB 535 kills hybrid carpool lane use effective 1/1/11, but, as NOW proposed, allows current white sticker user's and those that qualify for white stickers to use the lanes until the DOT determines they are too congested.

[rdevries]

Re: New legislation to keep an eye on in CA

Actually, with respect to SB 535, it will also kill carpool use for some of the older CNG cars that met the federal ILEV standard but only the state ULEV (rather than SULEV) standard, which as far as I know are older Ford Crown Vics but not Hondas. This CNG category that would be sunsetted is described as:

• A vehicle that was produced during the 2004 model-year or
  earlier and meets California ultra-low emission vehicle (ULEV)
  standard for exhaust emissions and the federal ILEV standard.
  

My information is that AB 1502 is not going forward. SB 535 kills hybrid carpool lane use effective 1/1/11, but, as NOW proposed, allows current white sticker user's and those that qualify for white stickers to use the lanes until the DOT determines they are too congested.

[Black Mariah]

Re: New legislation to keep an eye on in CA

Here's where you can read the text of the proposed bills for yourselves:

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/bilinfo.html

Anyone know what the legislative process from this point is? Curtis made some remarks about the status and process of the various bills in his post... But, I have to admit I don't follow CA state government that closely. Don't know what it all means.

-- Dan

[Curtis]

Re: New legislation to keep an eye on in CA

Here's the latest information on legislation being watched by CalNGV.

AB 1097 | Author: Eng
In brief: Prohibits the state from buying light-duty cars and trucks unless they achieve at least 35 mpg.
Status: Held in Assembly Business and Professions Committee; two-year bill.
AB 1212 | Author: Ruskin
In brief: Authorizes CARB to implement a “feebate” program consisting
of one-time rebates and one-time surcharges on the sale of new passenger vehicles.
Status: In Assembly Transportation Committee; two-year bill.
AB 1500 | Author: Lieu
In brief: Extends HOV lane access for single-occupant alternative fuel vehicles (“white stickers”) five years beyond the current sunset, to Jan. 1, 2016.
Details: Transportation Committee amendments limit the extension to AFVs. HOV lane access for hybrid vehicles will expire Jan. 1, 2011.Sponsored by the Coalition.
Status: Passed Assembly Appropriations
Committee; to Assembly Floor.
AB 1502 | Author: Eng
In brief: Extends HOV lane access for single-occupant clean vehicles to 2017, but only for SULEV/ILEV vehicles (including NGVs).
Details: The author decided to hold the bill when Assembly member Lieu agreed to amend AB 1500 limiting the extension to AFVs.
Status: Held in Assembly Transportation
Committee; two-year bill.
AB 1527 | Author: Lieu
In brief: Allows a vehicle emissions reduction project funded by the Carl Moyer Program or Prop. 1B to also receive AB 118 or federal funds, provided they result in additional reductions.
Details: Sponsored by CALSTART. Pending amendments will clarify that funds from AB 118 or other state or federal sources do not count when calculating the cost effectiveness of a project funded by Moyer or Prop. 1B, thus preventing the project’s cost-effectiveness from being artificially lowered.
Status: Passed Assembly Appropriations
Committee; to Assembly Floor.
SB 376 | Author: Simitian
In brief: Requires the CEC to submit to the Legislature and governor a Liquefied Natural Gas Market Assessment Report of 2011.
Details: SB 376 was amended to delete a provision that would have prohibited approval of construction or operation of an LNG terminal, onshore or off, until the report becomes final.
Status: Held in Senate Appropriations
Committee.
SB 400 | Author: Corbett
In brief: Gutted and amended to deal with issues unrelated to NGV industry concerns.
Details: In its previous version, SB 400 created a definition of “green vehicle” to be used by the California Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority.
Status: Passed Senate Appropriations
Committee; to Senate Floor.
SB 535 | Author: Yee
In brief: Amended to extend HOV lane access for single-occupant alternative fuel vehicles (“white stickers”) as long as authorized by federal law.
Details: In its current form the bill is nearly the same as the Coalition-sponsored AB 1500. Yee plans to amend the bill to ensure access for pure electric vehicles as well as NGVs.
Status: Passed Senate Floor; to Assembly.
SB 626 | Author: Kehoe
In brief: Requires the California Public Utilities Commission, in consultation with the CEC, CARB, electric companies, and the auto industry, to implement policies ensuring sufficient infrastructure for widespread use of plug-in hybrids.
Status: Passed Senate Appropriations
Committee; to Senate Floor.
SB 632 | Author: Lowenthal
In brief: Requires the ports of Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Oakland to give the Legislature an assessment of their infrastructure and air quality improvement needs, including total costs.
Details: The bill requires the ports to focus on projects that improve cargo movement efficiency, reduce traffic congestion, and reduce cargo-related air pollution.
Status: Passed Senate Floor; to Assembly.

[Curtis]

Re: New legislation to keep an eye on in CA

CalNGV
Policy File
The Coalition is tracking the following bills and others related to alternative fuels and vehicles throughout the legislative session. Check this space in every issue for updates.
AB 892 | Author: Furutani
In brief: Authorizes Goods Movement Emission Reduction Program applicants to reallocate funds to other transportation-related purposes, including reducing emissions and improving air quality in trade corridors, or to backup projects covered by the same grant agreement.
Status: In Senate Transportation and Housing Committee June 30.
AB 1097 | Author: Eng
In brief: Prohibits the state from buying light-duty cars and trucks unless they achieve at least 35 mpg.
Status: Held in Assembly Business and Professions Committee; two-year bill.
AB 1212 | Author: Ruskin
In brief: Authorizes CARB to implement a "feebate" program consisting of one-time rebates and one-time surcharges on the sale of new passenger vehicles.
Status: In Assembly Transportation Committee; two-year bill.
AB 1500 | Author: Lieu
In brief: Extends HOV lane access for single-occupant alternative fuel vehicles ("white stickers") five years beyond the current sunset, to Jan. 1, 2016.
Details: Transportation Committee amendments limit the extension to AFVs. HOV lane access for hybrid vehicles will expire Jan. 1, 2011.Sponsored by the Coalition.
Status: In Senate Transportation and Housing Committee June 30.
AB 1502 | Author: Eng
In brief: Extends HOV lane access for single-occupant clean vehicles to 2017, but only for SULEV/ILEV vehicles (including NGVs).
Details: The author decided to hold the bill when Assembly member Lieu agreed to amend AB 1500, limiting the extension to alternative fuel vehicles.
Status: Held in Assembly Transportation Committee; two-year bill.
AB 1527 | Author: Lieu
In brief: Allows a vehicle emissions reduction project funded by the Carl Moyer Program or Prop. 1B to also receive AB 118 or federal funds, provided they result in additional reductions.
Details: Sponsored by CALSTART. The bill was amended to clarify that funds from AB 118 or other state or federal sources do not count when calculating the cost-effectiveness of a project funded by Carl Moyer or Prop. 1B, thus preventing the project’s cost-effectiveness from being artificially lowered.
Status: In Senate Transportation and Housing Committee June 30.
SB 376 | Author: Simitian
In brief: Requires the CEC to submit to the Legislature and governor a Liquefied Natural Gas Market Assessment Report of 2011.
Details: SB 376 was amended to delete a provision that would have prohibited approval of construction or operation of an LNG terminal, onshore or off, until the report becomes final.
Status: Held in Senate Appropriations Committee.
SB 535 | Author: Yee
In brief: Amended to retain HOV lane access for single-occupant NGVs ("white stickers") until terminated by the federal government, sunset access for current-generation hybrids in 2011, and expand
AT-PZEVs that achieve 65 mpg.
Details: SB 535 is sponsored by GM, which seeks access to HOV lanes for the Volt and plug-in hybrids, provided they achieve 65 mpg. Access for NGVs remains indefinitely.
Status: In Assembly Transportation Committee June 29.
SB 626 | Author: Kehoe
In brief: Requires the California Public Utilities Commission, in consultation with the CEC, CARB, electric companies, and the auto industry, to evaluate policies ensuring sufficient infrastructure for widespread use of plug-in hybrids.
Details: SB 626 was amended to require the PUC to only evaluate, not implement, issues related to charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. The amendments also delete any analysis of whether incentives are necessary to promote electric charging infrastructure.
Status: In Assembly Transportation Committee June 29.
SB 632 | Author: Lowenthal
In brief: Requires the ports of Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Oakland to give the Legislature an assessment of their infrastructure and air quality improvement needs, including total costs.
Details: The bill requires the ports to focus on projects that improve cargo movement efficiency, reduce traffic congestion, and reduce cargo-related air pollution.
Status: Passed Assembly Transportation Committee; to Assembly Appropriations Committee.

[Curtis]

Ca HOV Lanes Bills advance in Legislature

Ca HOV Lane Bills Advance in Legislature
Bills to extend HOV lane access for single-occupant NGVs and other dedicated alternative fuel vehicles ("white stickers") have moved to the Senate and Assembly appropriations committees—their last stop before a floor vote in their second house.
For more details see attachment

Policy File
The Coalition is tracking the following bills and others related to alternative fuels and vehicles throughout the legislative session. Check this space in every issue for updates.
AB 892 | Author: Furutani
In brief: Authorizes Goods Movement Emission Reduction Program applicants to reallocate funds to other transportation-related purposes, including reducing emissions and improving air quality in trade corridors, or to backup projects covered by the same grant agreement.
Status: Passed Senate Transportation and Housing Committee; in Senate Environmental Quality Committee July 13.
AB 1097 | Author: Eng
In brief: Prohibits the state from buying light-duty cars and trucks unless they achieve at least 35 mpg.
Status: Held in Assembly Business and Professions Committee; two-year bill.
AB 1212 | Author: Ruskin
In brief: Authorizes CARB to implement a "feebate" program consisting of one-time rebates and one-time surcharges on the sale of new passenger vehicles.
Status: In Assembly Transportation Committee; two-year bill.
AB 1500 | Author: Lieu
In brief: Extends HOV lane access for single-occupant alternative fuel vehicles ("white stickers") five years beyond the current sunset, to Jan. 1, 2014.
Details: The Senate Transportation and Housing Committee insisted on an amendment to sunset the bill in 2014 instead of 2016. Sponsored by the Coalition.

Status: Passed Senate Transportation and Housing Committee; to Senate Appropriations Committee.
AB 1502 | Author: Eng
In brief: Extends HOV lane access for single-occupant clean vehicles to 2017, but only for SULEV/ILEV vehicles (including NGVs).
Status: Held in Assembly Transportation Committee; two-year bill.
AB 1527 | Author: Lieu
In brief: Allows a vehicle emissions reduction project funded by the Carl Moyer Program or Prop. 1B to also receive AB 118 or federal funds, provided they result in additional reductions.
Details: Sponsored by CALSTART, supported by the Coalition. The bill was amended to clarify that funds from AB 118 or other state or federal sources do not count when calculating the cost-effectiveness of a project funded by Carl Moyer or Prop. 1B, thus preventing the project’s cost-effectiveness from being artificially lowered.
Status: Passed Senate Transportation and Housing Committee; in Senate Environmental Quality Committee July 13.
SB 376 | Author: Simitian
In brief: Requires the CEC to submit to the Legislature and governor a Liquefied Natural Gas Market Assessment Report of 2011.
Details: SB 376 was amended to delete a provision that would have prohibited approval of construction or operation of an LNG terminal, onshore or off, until the report becomes final.
Status: Held in Senate Appropriations Committee.
SB 535 | Author: Yee
In brief: Extends HOV lane access for single-occupant alternative fuel vehicles ("white stickers") as long as authorized by federal law, eliminating the current 2011 sunset. Amended to also extend access to plug-in hybrids and similar hybrids,
such as the Volt, but with a cap of 65,000 vehicles. The provision for hybrids sunsets in 2015.
Details: SB 535 is sponsored by General Motors.
Status: Passed Assembly Transportation Committee; to Assembly Appropriations Committee.
SB 626 | Author: Kehoe
In brief: Requires the California Public Utilities Commission, in consultation with the CEC, CARB, electric companies, and the auto industry, to evaluate policies ensuring sufficient infrastructure for widespread use of plug-in hybrids.
Details: SB 626 was amended to require the PUC to only evaluate issues, not implement rules, related to charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. The amendments also delete any analysis of whether incentives are necessary to promote electric charging infrastructure.
Status: Passed Assembly Transportation Committee; to Assembly Appropriations Committee.
SB 632 | Author: Lowenthal
In brief: Requires the ports of Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Oakland to give the Legislature an assessment of their infrastructure and air quality improvement needs, including total costs.
Details: The bill requires the ports to focus on projects that improve cargo movement efficiency, reduce traffic congestion, and reduce cargo-related air pollution.
Status: Passed Assembly Appropriations Committee; to Assembly Floor.

[Curtis]

Re: New legislation to keep an eye on in CA

AB 892 | Author: Furutani
In brief: Authorizes Goods Movement Emission Reduction Program applicants to reallocate funds to other transportation-related purposes, including reducing emissions and improving air quality in trade corridors, or to backup projects covered by the same grant agreement.
Status: Passed Senate Appropriations Committee; to Senate Floor.
AB 1500 | Author: Lieu
In brief: Extends HOV lane access for single-occupant AFVs ("white stickers") five years beyond the current sunset, to Jan. 1, 2014.
Details: Sponsored by the Coalition. The Senate Transportation and Housing Committee insisted on an amendment to sunset the bill in 2014 instead of 2016.
Status: Passed Senate Appropriations Committee; to Senate Floor.
AB 1527 | Author: Lieu
In brief: Allows a vehicle emissions reduction project funded by the Carl Moyer Program or Prop. 1B to also receive AB 118 or federal funds, provided they result in additional reductions.
Details: Sponsored by CALSTART and supported by the Coalition. The bill was amended to clarify that funds from AB 118 or other state or federal sources do not count when calculating the cost-effectiveness of a project funded by Carl Moyer or Prop. 1B, thus preventing the project’s cost-effectiveness from
being artificially lowered.
Status: In Senate Appropriations Committee August 27.
SB 376 | Author: Simitian
In brief: Requires the CEC to submit to the Legislature and governor a Liquefied Natural Gas Market Assessment Report of 2011.
Status: Held in Senate Appropriations Committee.
SB 535 | Author: Yee
In brief: Extends HOV lane access for single-occupant AFVs ("white stickers") as long as authorized by federal law, eliminating the current 2011 sunset. Amended to also extend access to plug-in hybrids and similar hybrids, such as the Volt, but with a cap of 65,000 vehicles. The hybrid provision sunsets in 2015.
Status: Passed Assembly Appropriations Committee; to Assembly Floor.
SB 626 | Author: Kehoe
In brief: Requires the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), in consultation with the CEC, CARB, electric companies, and the auto industry, to evaluate policies ensuring sufficient infrastructure for widespread use of plug-in hybrids.
Status: Passed Assembly Appropriations Committee; to Assembly Floor.
SB 632 | Author: Lowenthal
In brief: Requires the ports of Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Oakland to give the Legislature an assessment of their infrastructure and air quality improvement needs, including total costs.
Status: On Assembly Inactive File.
CalNGV News is published biweekly by the California Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition.

[gassipper]

Re: New legislation to keep an eye on in CA

I am new here but have been doing extensive research on this sisue as I have a hybrid (yellow) sticker and want to coninue access myself past 1-1-11. Therefore I am considering a CNG purchase.

Unortunately, I have been in close contact with Representative Lieu's assistant on AB1500 and this is what she reported to me as of today...at this point one of the legislative committee's has asked the AB1500 sponsor to shelve that bill until at least January, 2010. The reason is so that there can be meetings to reconcile it with Bill #535, which is similar. In addition, she indicated they want to take a much closer look at the whole issue of single-occupant access in general and whether to continue that access (for white stickers), given the push toward HOT (toll lanes) in SoCal and elsewhere. They have conflicting goals (free access versus money-making access) that need to be re-assessed. And even if one of them passes, Schwarzenegger has a 50/50 chance of vetoing it due to his big-business interests pressuring him to do so (i.e. regular gas companies & automakers). They have received no positive indication form the Governor's office that he will sign either bill if it passes. In my opinion I get the feeling all stickers will be out of the HOV lanes at the end of 2010 and the party is over.

[Black Mariah]

Re: New legislation to keep an eye on in CA

It's a gamble. Since you already have access with your hybrid until 1-1-11, there's no need for you to decide any time soon.

For me, I decided to finally pull the trigger on CNG vehicle a couple months ago -- and I'm glad I did. The longer I waited, the less HOV time I would have before the (possible) 1-1-11 deadline.

Even without HOV access, the price of CNG is attractive and with the availability of CNG stations in the Bay Area, I'll still find the vehicle useful even if the HOV stickers expire.

[lcovelli]

Re: New legislation to keep an eye on in CA

The HOV stickers are a nice addition to the CNG package and would really frown on legislature if this program is removed. I certainly hope that the California government realizes what we as CNG drivers are trying to accomplish by using domestic clean burning fuel and should be rewarded as with the continuation of the HOV lane access.

[CraziFuzzy]

Re: New legislation to keep an eye on in CA

Honestly, I can see the concern with continuing it, in light of the emmergance of more and more HOT lanes. However, in leiu of simple extension, perhaps white-stickered vehicles should be allowed a reduced toll for the road use. This is something that could be done at the transponder/billing level, and perhaps make all parties happy.

[Curtis]

NGVC To attend hearings on HOV Access for NGV's. Urge Support.

HOV Lane Access
From NGVC Newsletter 11-2-09

Public hearings Nov. 17 in Sacramento, Dec. 1 in Los Angeles Bills to extend HOV lane access for NGVs and other "white sticker" vehicles appeared headed for passage in the just-ended legislative session, but ended up getting held pending hearings to examine competing concepts for HOV lane use.

These hearings will address two key issues: whether the state should continue to allow single-occupant vehicles in HOV lanes originally intended for carpools, and whether the state should allow some HOV lanes to be converted into high-occupancy/toll (HOT) lanes. Several local and regional transporta- tion agencies want to convert HOV lanes to HOT lanes to fund projects that are stalled because of the state’s budget problems.

The Nov. 17 hearing will focus on the current status of HOV lanes, examin- ing whether they’re achieving their goals of encouraging carpooling, reducing traf?c congestion, and improving air quality, proposals to improve HOV lane performance, especially by converting HOV lanes to HOT lanes.

The committee’s current plan is to invite testimony from state and local agencies and academic researchers. Stakeholders, including auto manufacturers and alternative fuel advocates such as the Coalition, will have an opportunity to testify during the hearings’ public comment period. The Coalition will testify on the benefits of continued HOV lane access for NGVs and argue that such access is appropriate for vehicles that truly deserve and need the incentive.

[cquirk]

Re: New legislation to keep an eye on in CA

Curtis: I wonder if the United Parcel Service is aware of this hearing or if it would be appropriate for them to attend ?

The vehicles at the San Ramon UPS have the white stickers on them and CNG clean running UPS vehicles have been marketed heavily in the bay area from time to time.

If it made sense I could ask UPS here if they are aware of the hearings?

[Curtis]

Re: New legislation to keep an eye on in CA

I think it's important that the public, as well as stakeholders alike, let their voice be heard at these hearings. It's an uphill battle given the economic problems of the state and the HOT lanes being pressed into existance than for no other reasons than pure monetary motivations. We should all be writing our political leaders to try and bring some pressure to bear on the issue. At the very least we should try and get an HOT lane use sticker and fee waiver for dedicated alt fuel vehicles. Then let them have their HOT lanes.